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UPSC CSE Prelims 2011, Paper I

Harappan Economy and Society

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: 1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene. 2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Analyzing the degree of religious influence and technological advancements (textiles) in the Harappan society.

Explanation Cotton remains found at Mehrgarh and textile impressions on Harappan pottery prove that the IVC was the world's pioneer in cotton production.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Statement 1 is correct; unlike Egypt (ruled by god-kings), IVC shows no signs of a dominant priestly class or religious monopoly on power.
Logic 2: Statement 2 is correct; India was the earliest producer of cotton textiles, a fact supported by findings of spindles and woven cloth at Mohenjo-daro.

Active Recall

Question

What is meant by calling the Indus Civilization 'predominantly secular'?

Answer

It means that the political and social organization was not centered around religious institutions or clerical authority, unlike contemporary Mesopotamian ziggurats.

Core Insight

The production of cotton textiles not only clothed the Harappans but served as a primary export that connected India to the global Bronze Age economy.

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